A major operation led by British and Bulgarian authorities has resulted in the seizure of hundreds of inflatable boats, rubber rings, and engines aimed at stopping them from being used to smuggle migrants into Britain. The joint operation led to 33 separate interceptions, seizing 125 inflatable boats, 128 engines, 300 rubber rings, and more than 700 pumps.
Experts estimate that these seizures have denied organized crime networks approximately £16.6 million in profit they would have made from using the equipment for migrant crossings.
The haul was seized following a 12-month-long joint effort between the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Home Office, the Foreign Office, and their Bulgarian counterparts, including the Bulgarian National Customs Agency and Bulgarian Border Police.
Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, praised the operation as part of Labour’s plan to combat illegal migration by dismantling people smuggling gangs after scrapping the previous government’s controversial Rwanda plan. She stated, “This work shows what can be achieved through international cooperation to go after the criminal smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings.
Our Border Security Command will turbocharge these efforts, with investigators stationed throughout Europe and additional resources to support operations like these,” Eagle added.
A Coordinated Effort at Key Borders
Earlier this month, a taskforce of officers traveled to the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing in southern Bulgaria to carry out targeted searches. Kapitan Andreevo, one of the busiest land borders in Europe and a key smuggling route, has been a prime focus for efforts to disrupt organized people-smuggling activities.
During the joint exercise, officers carried out training sessions and conducted vehicle and freight searches using dogs and specialist equipment. Following the conclusion of the exercise, another 10 Chinese-made outboard boat engines were seized in a vehicle driven by a Bulgarian national, who falsely declared he was transporting furniture for personal use. The driver was subsequently fined after the engines were discovered among the cargo.
A Blow to Smuggling Networks
The successful operation has been welcomed as a major victory for border security. NCA Director of Intelligence Adrian Matthews highlighted the importance of Bulgaria in the supply route for criminal networks organizing dangerous Channel crossings. Taking this equipment out before it can reach them not only disrupts their activities and hits their profits, but it also prevents these lethal boats and under-powered engines being used at sea where lives are at risk.
The partnership between the UK and Bulgaria has been strengthened through multiple agreements signed in October and November 2023 to enhance cooperation and tackle organized immigration crime. Matthews added, “As close partners and allies, the UK and Bulgaria work together to tackle organized crime and illegal migration, strengthening the border security of both countries.
Government’s Commitment to Stop People Smuggling
Angela Eagle reiterated the Labour Government’s commitment to cracking down on people smugglers who prey on vulnerable people. We will not stand by while criminals prey on vulnerable people, including women and children. Thanks to the efforts of the NCA, Border Force, and other Home Office staff, working in lockstep with our Bulgarian allies, our borders are more secure, and more lives have potentially been saved.
By seizing the equipment intended for dangerous crossings, authorities are also cutting off the profits for these criminal enterprises. Eagle added, “By seizing the equipment used for dangerous and flimsy boats, we are also striking a major blow to the smugglers’ operations and cutting off millions in profits.”
The joint operation serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of illegal migration and the efforts being made to combat it. Authorities remain determined to continue disrupting and dismantling the networks that profit from human misery, wherever and however they operate.
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